Washington Watch

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse reports on the trilateral framework the U.S., Israel and Lebanon agreed to, President Trump’s speech at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s conference at the Washington Hilton, the site of the most recent attempt on his life. She also reports on the New York City Rent Guidelines Board’s approval of a rent freeze for roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments, advancing one of socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's signature campaign promises. Dr. David Wurmser, Senior Analyst for Middle East Policy at The Center for Security Policy, reacts to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement that a framework between Israel and Lebanon has been agreed to and comments on the most recent Strait of Hormuz cargo ship attack. Glenn Grothman, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 6th District, reflects on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision and shares an update on the status of Reconciliation 3.0. Jennifer Jackson, PVS Chapter Leader in Columbus, Ohio, shines a light on her chapter and highlights her book An American Heart: An American Heart is One that Loves God, Family, and Country. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, reflects on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex “marriages” and dives in with insights from FRC’s commissioned polling showing only one in five Republicans is aware that the abortion rate has actually increased since Roe v. Wade was overturned. He also sounds the alarm on why Christians should be wary of socialism’s lies pretending to be truth.

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse recaps President Trump’s meeting with Senate Republican leaders, reports on several Democratic Socialists of America candidates who won Democratic Party primaries, and discusses U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meetings with United Arab Emirates leaders on the Iran deal. Robert Aderholt, U.S. Representative for Alabama's 4th District, voices support for the SAVE America Act and offers an update on a potential Reconciliation 3.0 and the NDAA. Joy Stockbauer, Policy Analyst at FRC’s Center for Human Dignity, reflects on the four-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and sounds the alarm on the rise of chemical abortions due to the expanded access to mifepristone and shield laws enacted by several Democratic-led states. Jason Selman, PVS Chapter Leader in Baton Rouge, highlights a letter from pastors to the Library Director in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana regarding the unresolved termination of Pastor Luke Ash. Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco, Resurrect Ministry Founder, shares an assessment of the ongoing U.S.–Iran negotiations and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meetings with Gulf Arab states’ leaders. She answers the question: have prospects for regime change in Iran been dashed by this agreement? She also gives an update on the state of the church in Iran following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the United States and Iran.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance’s comments on it at a press conference there. He also unpacks new polling showing most Americans are skeptical of the Iran deal, British Prime Minister’s Keir Starmer resignation, and a transgender state lawmaker who was sentenced to over 33 years for child exploitation. Randy Fine, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 6th District, shares a congressional perspective on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, the ongoing negotiations in Switzerland, and the agreement on the framework of 60-day talks. He also criticizes Vice President J.D. Vance’s comments on Israel. Mark Tapscott, Senior Congressional Analyst for The Washington Stand, observes how the America of 1976 would not recognize herself in our 250th year. Lt. General (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, FRC’s Executive Vice President, offers a frank assessment of the Memorandum of Understanding and the ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran. He also previews what needs to happen for the deal to be successful and reviews the history of failed U.S. policies regarding Iran.

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse reports on the preliminary deal with Iran signed by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s press conference on the details of that Memorandum of Understanding. Greg Steube, U.S. Representative for the 17th District of Florida, provides insight into budgetary issues surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the delay of DNI nominee Jay Clayton. He also reveals details from his proposed legislation, the Stop Antifa Act. Dr. A.J. Nolte, Associate Professor of Politics at Regent University’s Robertson School of Government, offers analysis on the 14-Point U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, signed electronically by President Trump while in France. Dr. Quentin Van Meter, American College of Pediatricians, gives the rationale for the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) for the alleged deceptive practices regarding the treatment of children suffering from gender dysphoria. Dr. John Kindt, Professor Emeritus of Business at the University of Illinois, explains the lawsuit filed by the state of Kentucky against Kalshi, Polymarket, and VGW for facilitating illegal gambling, discusses the harms of online sports betting, and considers the necessary guardrails in the rapidly expanding industry.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, the G7 Summit meetings, U.S. Senate discussions on FISA, and various primary elections around the country. Jeff Crank, U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 5th District, reacts to what we know about the Iran deal, the status of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Jonathan Tobin, Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish News Syndicate, provides context to what is being learned about the Iran deal and how this may impact the nation of Israel. Ken Blackwell, Senior Fellow for Human Rights and Constitutional Governance at the Family Research Council and Minority Shareholder of the Cincinnati Reds, explains the Major League Baseball controversy surrounding players who modified the teams’ Pride caps by adding Bible verses referring to the Genesis flood and rainbow. Suzanne Bowdey, Editorial Director and Senior Writer for The Washington Stand, and Casey Harper provide analysis and commentary on the controversy surrounding Bible verses covering MLB Pride baseball caps, Bethany Christian Services’ policy reversal to reaffirm its Christian identity, and federal efforts to combat fraud.

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse provides insight into the Iranian Foreign Minister’s statement that a deal with the U.S. is almost final and reviews the Capitol Hill debates over extending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Glenn Grothman, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 6th District and member of the Oversight & Government Reform Committee, offers more details on why the House failed to pass the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the nomination of a new Director of National Intelligence, and whether a third attempt at reconciliation has a chance. Dr. David Wurmser, Senior Analyst for Middle East Policy at The Center for Security Policy, breaks down the highly anticipated deal between the U.S. and Iran, considers Israel’s take on it, and shares what to expect afterwards. Ian Prior, Senior Counsel at America First Legal, gives context on the transgender student policies in Loudon County, Virginia, that were highlighted in this week’s U.S. House Education hearings, and updates us on the America First Legal lawsuits against Loudon County. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, shares an overview of the Southern Baptist Convention conference, a resolution he drafted on physician-assisted suicide, a lawsuit in the state of Washington, challenging officials for letting boys into girls’ sports, while ignoring sexual assault, and discusses the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day.

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse reports on the election results in Texas, the White House Cabinet meeting, and the Trump administration’s plan to force federal employees to sign non-disclosure agreements to hold them accountable and stop leaks. Greg Steube, U.S. Representative for the 17th District of Florida, explains the latest on reconciliation in the U.S. House, new protests at an immigration center in New Jersey, and his proposed ICE-FROST legislation. Steve Marshall, Attorney General of Alabama, covers a recent federal judge’s block of the Alabama redistricting efforts and the anti-fraud meeting with state attorneys general at the White House. Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, drills down on the birth tourism industry and other mishandled immigration concerns. Ingrid Skop, Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, shares how online abortion drug sellers continue violating U.S. laws by disregarding FDA safety standards and increasing access to abortion pills in the post-Dobbs America. Mary Szoch, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at Family Research Council, provides an in-depth analysis of the two recent abortion drug reports published by the Charlotte Lozier Institute.

On this Memorial Day edition of Washington Watch, we feature excerpts from FRC’s God & Government course taught by Tony Perkins, exploring the connection between biblical principles and American government. Today, with gratitude, we honor the memory and sacrifice of those who "gave the last full measure of devotion,” for our freedoms.